For the first time in history, two black women will serve as senators in the United States US elections 2024

With the election of Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, the United States will have two Black women as senators for the first time in American history.

Blunt Rochester, a congresswoman from Delaware, will be the first woman and Black senator to represent the state. Alsobrooks, a former county executive and district attorney who defeated the state’s former Republican governor in a close race, is the first Black senator from Maryland.

Democratic candidates’ victories double the number of black women elected to the U.S. Senate. While three others have served before, including Carol Moseley Braun, Laphonza Butler and Kamala Harris, there has never been more than one Black woman in the Senate at a time.

Blunt Rochester, who was also the first Black woman and first woman from Delaware elected to Congress, highlighted those women in a victory speech during a campaign party Tuesday night, where she was greeted by supporters chanting “LBR.”

“We are a country that is strengthened over time by the spirit and sacrifice of those who serve and all who came before us,” she said.

“As I prepare to tread this path paved by three strong Black women senators before us – Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Laphonza Butler – I have a message for the young people who are standing up, they say Your voice and give everything for your country and the world,” she said. “I see you, I’m grateful and you’re next.”

Joe Biden called Blunt Rochester to congratulate her on the historic victory in his home state.

Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks said they became friends while campaigning in their respective states. They call each other “future sister senator” in their private text chain, Blunt Rochester told the Associated Press.

Tuesday evening marked a night of firsts for the U.S. and for Delaware, where voters also elected Sarah McBride, who will be the first trans person to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read more of the Guardian’s coverage of the 2024 US election